Conceptions

By Wendy Oleston

Sex is fun. Everyone is doing it, right? The church says to wait for marriage, but why? Parents say that you might get pregnant and then you’ll be in trouble. So, what happens when the truth of an unplanned pregnancy enters the life of a young woman due to premarital sex? The answer is . . . a lot.

Take a journey with three young women who are forced to face the reality of a pregnancy they didn’t plan.
Three young women: Joni, Shanna, and Tabitha
Three different choices: Adoption, Abortion, and Parenting
Each choice comes with extremely similar baggage to carry for a lifetime. And maybe there is no perfect answer . . .

Conceptions contains strong language and sexual content, representing the reality of the world we live in, while maintaining a moral Christian backbone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maven Christian
• Release date: May 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9780997052367

Wendy Oleston

Author Wendy Oleston has had a very interesting life! Now married to Ryan and living in Wisconsin with their two children, Brett and Caroline, she is a very proud recovering alcoholic who owes everything to her faith in God. Wendy is very creative and uses her own experiences in life to write her books so they are laced with her own struggles and victories. She writes Christian fiction but in a real-world sense, including real-life issues while maintaining a Christian backbone. Yes, her writing includes some language and sex, but that is the reality of the world. Her goal is to entertain while infusing the love of Christ. She desires to get her readers thinking, laughing, crying and thinking some more! She has a knack for creating likeable characters with a real-feel which tend to stay in the reader's mind long after they have finished her books. She hopes to continue writing books which will insight a delightful exclamation of "I've never read anything like that before!"

Book preview

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JONI - The Conception

"O UCH, STOP IT, Blaine. It hurts."

I’m sorry . . . what can I do to make it better?

Joni closed her eyes. Stopping would be good.

He laughed slightly in his goofy high school boy way. Well, if we stop we’ll never get to the good part.

It was a romantic gesture for sure. High school dance night, a blanket out in a field, the two of them naked, attempting their first time at sex. Joni stared up at the night sky. Fine . . . go ahead.

We don’t have to. I mean if you don’t want to . . .

I do . . . really.

He pressed himself in again, the pain excruciating. She let out a soft cry and tears filled her eyes. She wanted to enjoy it, after all, Blaine Johnson was the love of her life and doing this would bond them together forever. It hurts.

I’m so sorry, baby. I can stop.

No, it’s okay.

He continued forward awkwardly.

She closed her eyes. What am I doing? All my friends are doing it . . . but does that mean I should? With Blaine Johnson? He’s cute . . . but he’s a nerd. A cute nerd . . . my cute nerd. There is just something about a cute nerd that drives me wild— Ouch! she let out unintentionally.

I’m almost done, he said.

Get on with it, will you!

Al . . . most . . . there . . . ugh . . . Oh God . . . Oh, Joni . . . Ooooooo . . .

The minute he was done, she pushed him off her, out of her, and rolled away from him. That was awful! she announced louder than she meant to.

Blaine was huffing and puffing as if he had just run a marathon. "Was I that bad?" He looked upset.

It wasn’t you, Blaine . . . it wasn’t you at all. I promise. She went to him, nuzzling in, wanting to smooth things over. It just hurt. I knew it would . . . my friends told me it would.

I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you. I never want to hurt you, Joni. Never.

She looked him in the eyes, feeling her heart flutter with love. My nerd . . . my cute nerd and we just had sex. I know.

His hand went to the side of her face. Forgive me?

She nodded. I just hope it gets better because if that’s what it’s like all the time . . . I’m afraid to say you might have to find a different girlfriend.

He grinned, pulling her to his lips. I don’t want a different girlfriend. I’m going to marry you, Joni Bishop. I’ve known that from the day I first saw you.

He wants to marry me . . . aww . . . we will be together forever. Blaine and Joni Johnson has a nice ring to it.

Both Joni’s parents worked, and she lived close to school. Since everyone at their high school left school property during their lunch period, Joni and Blaine fell into a routine of rendezvousing in Joni’s bed nearly every day instead of putting nutrition at the top of their priority list.

Crap! I left the condom in my jacket.

Where’s your jacket? Joni asked.

In my locker.

She was already laying naked on her bed and looked at her watch. We don’t have time for you to go back and get it.

Blaine looked down at her. You’re naked, and I can’t not take advantage of that. I can’t.

She giggled as he attacked her body with his.

I’ll pull out, he said right before kissing her.

She had begun to love sex, but this sounded risky. She stopped him. Is that safe?

Of course. My friends do it all the time. In fact, they never even use condoms, they just pull out, and none of them have ever had a problem. I hear it feels even better without the condom. I’m actually excited to try it.

I’m going to trust you, Blaine. You better be careful.

Oh, baby . . . I would never hurt you. I love you. I’m going to marry you.

She smiled as he slipped inside her.

Oh God, Joni . . . it does feel better . . . so much better . . . oh . . .

She had to admit . . . it did feel better, but not so much better that it was worth risking pregnancy. She was only fifteen, and if her parents knew she was already having sex . . . it was the 1990’s but they still would have killed her.

Oh, Joni . . . sex with you is the most incredible thing I have ever experienced . . . it’s amazing.

She smiled to herself, loving that her body could make him feel so good.

He looked in her eyes. I want to make you come.

Yes, please, she said with a smile. In that moment, she could tell he was really trying to get her there. She closed her eyes to focus on it . . . and soon . . . it started to happen. As it crept closer, she grabbed onto him, feeling herself right on the edge. She was teetering and out of nowhere, right when it was about to start full force . . . he pulled out completely as he yelled a curse word.

What are you doing? she screamed, left at the point of no return with nothing to take her over the edge.

He spewed on the bed. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, but I couldn’t hold it off. You’re just so freakin’ hot, Joni.

Oh my God, Blaine . . . I’m dying here . . . how could you do that to me? You have no idea what this feels like! She jumped out of bed.

I promised you I would pull out. I had to pull out.

He had a point but she was still mad. She grabbed her clothes and ran to the bathroom to see if she could take care of it herself.

She couldn’t.

I’m so sorry . . . I promise I’ll make it up to you.

Joni could tell he really did feel bad about it so she took his hand in hers as they walked back to school. I love my cute nerd . . . even if he does owe me . . . BIG!

As the weeks went on, the pull-out method was something he asked for often as he said it felt so much better than having sex with a condom. Joni trusted him to make sure to do it right, and life and love went on. She truly loved him. He knew how to make her feel amazing in and out of bed. He always made her feel special, telling her how beautiful she was and how he planned to marry her. The attention he gave her made her long for more. Her home life wasn’t very good being the second child in a family with a lot of issues.

Her sister had leukemia. Joni kind of fell to the wayside, her parents not taking much interest in her because there were other, more important matters to be dealt with. Plus, she had always been such a good girl. They didn’t worry about her much.

Blaine’s doting and affection was something she longed for, and even though she was popular and well-liked at school, she felt very lonely in the world. Blaine was the first boy to ever make her feel like the center of the universe. That, along with his responsible, caring attitude, made her fall in love with him almost immediately after they began dating. He was also smart, funny, and very attentive. He never wanted to do anything without her and always considered her feelings first, before even his own.

One day in health class, fresh from a lunchtime screw, Joni was feeling satisfied and happy. She was sitting at her desk drawing hearts while Ms. Downing was talking about something she had no interest in. Her smile was silly, showing she had little interest in anything that wasn’t Blaine related.

Suddenly, a word caught her attention . . . pre-ejaculation.

Joni looked up from her teenager drawn hearts to figure out if she heard that word correctly.

Ms. Downing stood up front with the most serious of faces, her black hair in a tight bun. Pre-ejaculate is a fluid that is discharged in the early stages of sexual intercourse. Its primary purpose is lubrication and although its make-up is completely different than semen, it has been known to contain active sperm . . . so ladies . . . gentleman . . . be aware. If you decide you think you are mature enough to handle adult matters . . . be smart. The only way to be truly safe is to do nothing.

Joni’s heart felt as though it stopped, and she knew her eyes were as wide as a rich lady’s hat at the Kentucky Derby. Holy crap . . . did I just hear that correctly? There is a thing called pre-ejaculate and it has sperm in it?

She could think of nothing else the rest of the class, and the minute the bell rang, she ran to find Blaine, who was getting out of P.E.

Did you know about pre-ejaculate? she whispered at him.

Huh, what are you talking about?

Pre-ejaculate. It comes out of you during sex. It has sperm in it! Did you know that?

His eyes popped open. What? No! That’s not true, who told you that?

Ms. Downing. And it’s in our health book. Look. She pointed to it in the textbook. I highly doubt it would be in the textbook if it weren’t true.

He took the textbook and read it to himself. Well, shit.

Shit is right! Oh my gosh, Blaine . . . what if . . . what if?

Blaine wrapped his arms around her. Stop, it’s going to be okay. I’m sure it’s just a small percentage, and if you think about it, we haven’t done it that many times. We’re probably fine.

What if we aren’t though? What if we got pregnant?

He was quiet.

She looked at him. What would we do?

We’re not. Okay. We’re not, and we won’t do it like that again, I swear. He pulled her back into a hug. I love you, and I promise I will always take care of you. Always, so don’t worry.

She nodded into his high school boy chest.

She was too anxious about the possibility of being pregnant to just sit around and wait a month to find out if she would miss her period, so she took matters into her own hands and bought one of the new early detection pregnancy tests.

What do you have to do? Blaine asked, leaning into Joni’s personal space as she read the directions.

I have to pee on it.

Pee on it? Really?

Joni looked at him as though he were stupid. Yes, it says I have to pee on it. Why would I lie?

He shrugged. I don’t think you would lie . . . it just seems weird.

Joni stood slowly. I guess I’ll just go do it. No sense in waiting, right?

You’re not pregnant, Blaine said. I don’t know why you’re so worried about it. You haven’t missed your period have you?

No, but ever since I heard about the pre-ejaculation stuff I have been totally paranoid. I’d like to just know for sure. Joni looked down at the box and took a deep breath. I hope you’re right.

He took her face in his hands. Hey, I love you. We’ll be okay, no matter what.

She nodded.

He kissed her lips so sweetly she felt as though she might melt. I love you too, Blaine. I really do.

I’m going to marry you, Joni Bishop. That is a promise.

She smiled, feeling her heart swell. The thought of spending the rest of her life with him, a boy who adored her the way she longed for was enough to make her forget all her troubles. Parents who seemed to have forgotten she existed, a sister fighting a slow, painful death, and now a possible pregnancy at the age of fifteen. It all disappeared the moment Blaine Johnson kissed her sweetly.

She forced herself away from him. Let me go take this test. I’m really nervous, and I want to get it over with.

He nodded. I’m right here for you.

She went into the bathroom and closed the door. After opening the test and reviewing the directions, she prepared to do it. It would take seven minutes for the result to show up. She wasn’t looking forward to those seven minutes at all.

She peed on it, replaced the cap, then opened the bathroom door to find Blaine’s face right there waiting. She placed the test on the counter then grabbed hold of him and dragged him to her room. Make me forget about it.

His lips went to hers and he spent the next twelve minutes making sure the only thing she thought about was him and feeling good. After, they lay holding each other until he offered to go get the test.

He got dressed then headed out of her room.

She was dressing when he returned with it.

What does it say? she asked.

I don’t know. What does this mean? He showed it to her.

Her heart stopped. Oh Blaine. She began to cry.

What? What does it mean?

The textbook didn’t lie, and your friends are idiots! We’re not okay . . . I’m pregnant.

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JONI - The Choice

TELLING HER PARENTS about the pregnancy was the last thing in the world she wanted to do, but Blaine was beside her so she felt somewhat safe. They were in her living room holding hands on the couch, waiting for his parents to arrive. They were so nice; sweet, loving people, so telling them didn’t scare her. It was her own parent’s reaction that terrified her.

Once everyone was there, she wanted to get it over with. She and Blaine looked at each other. He kissed her forehead sweetly and whispered, I love you.

She whispered it back then looked at the floor. Thanks for coming today. Blaine and I have something to tell you, and it’s not—

He blurted it out. We’re pregnant.

She loved him all the more for saying the words for her.

He puffed his chest out and continued: It’s my fault. She wanted to wait to have sex and I just—

Joni interrupted quickly, Stop it, Blaine, you’re making it sound like I didn’t want to.

Blaine looked at her. But—

But nothing. We made the decision together, and now we are in this together.

Blaine squeezed her hand tightly.

Joni’s father yelled, Pregnant? You’re pregnant?

Blaine’s father kindly interjected. There is no need to yell. I think they are well aware this is a big deal. I commend them for being brave enough to be honest with us.

Don’t tell me how to speak to my own daughter!

Well, don’t yell at my son.

Her father stood up and went to him. I will yell at your son if I want to. He talked my daughter into sex and got her pregnant. Your son is a little pervert, and he has now ruined my daughter’s life.

Blaine’s father stood up. I’m sorry you feel that way, but I’m fairly certain teenagers wanting to have sex isn’t really all that perverted. I think what we need to do here instead of fighting amongst ourselves is figure out how to be supportive to them. They are young and scared. There is no need to make it worse.

Joni’s dad looked over at Joni. I told you not to let this happen. I told you.

I’m sorry, Dad. Joni began to cry.

Blaine wrapped her in a hug.

Don’t you touch her! I think you’ve done enough. Get up! Her dad rushed at Blaine and tore him away from Joni. Just get out of here. Get out! You and your parents go! This is a family matter now and has nothing to do with you.

Joni became petrified of being away from Blaine and tried to get back to him, but her father blocked her. She began screaming while crying, wanting Blaine next to her.

He was reaching for her as well, but her dad wouldn’t allow them to touch.

Blaine’s dad pulled him back. I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can leave seeing how angry you are.

Joni’s dad turned to Blaine’s father and pointed to the door. Get out of my house, or I will call the police. I will tell them your son raped my daughter, and I will make her tell them the same thing. Get out now!

Quickly, Blaine’s parents complied, pulling Blaine, who was not leaving gracefully. I can’t leave her. Don’t make me leave her!

Joni collapsed to the floor, sobbing.

You, Blaine Johnson, will never see my daughter again. You will never speak to her. You will never touch her again. Do you hear me? Her father pushed them out the door then slammed it shut.

Joni curled up on the floor in tears. Her mother came to her slowly and knelt by her side, placing her hand on her back. Oh, sweetie. Your father is right. You should never see that boy again.

Joni raised up and yelled, But I love him! He is the father of my baby, and I want to be with him!

You’re fifteen, sweetie. You don’t know what love is, and you certainly don’t know how to take care of a baby. You need to trust your mom and dad to know what’s best for you.

Her father stepped over to her, looking down with his finger pointed. You are bringing shame on our house, Joni. Do you not think we have enough to deal with already? Your sister is fragile. She needs every ounce of our attention and support, and here you are selfishly stealing that from her. If she doesn’t make it because of you, I will never forgive you. Do you hear me? You will not see that boy again. Do we understand each other?

Joni looked up with tears in her eyes, feeling guilt like she never imagined.

Do we?

She nodded slowly.

Now, go to your room. Your mother and I will figure out how to handle this situation. You will not be going to school tomorrow.

Joni nodded again then slowly rose to her feet. I’m sorry.

Her dad sighed and turned away. You should be.

That night she wasn’t able to sleep. She lay in bed staring at the ceiling, feeling like her world was ending in every possible way. Tears came, then calmed, then came again. The thought of never seeing Blaine again was the worst of it. She didn’t know how she could survive without him. Her mom said she was too young to know what love was, but Joni knew. Her mother was wrong. No one had ever loved her the way Blaine did. It was unconditional. It was magic.

She heard a noise; a snap against her window and she knew. Blaine was there. She rushed to the window to see. He stood in the grass of her front yard with his father sitting in the car waiting.

She opened the window as quietly as possible. Can you climb up?

He nodded then did it.

She could barely contain herself once he was inside and they attacked each other with the tightest hug she ever experienced. Don’t leave me, Blaine, please don’t leave me.

Oh, Joni, I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.

He gripped her as though it meant everything to him to touch her.

Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you did he?

I’m okay. No, he wouldn’t hurt me. He is just mad.

They looked at each other. If you want to leave with me, my parents said you can come stay with us. My dad is right outside, and they will do whatever they can to help you, to help us.

Her family was all she ever knew. No, I can’t. I might not be able to see you for a while, though. They aren’t going to let me go to school.

I’ll come see you at lunch.

She nodded. Just be careful. If they see you, it will be really bad, Blaine. I don’t want them to accuse you of something that isn’t true.

I’ll be careful, I promise.

They hugged again.

I love you, Joni.

I love you, too.

His hand went to her face, and he gave her one of his sweet kisses. You are everything to me, and I’m not going to let you go without a fight.

She nodded.

He kissed her again. I’m going to marry you, Joni Bishop. That is a promise, and I always keep my promises.

Tears dropped down her cheeks and he wiped them gently.

I’ll come see you tomorrow at lunch, okay?

Okay.

I love you with everything I am.

I love you too.

I better go.

She nodded again.

He kissed her one last time, then climbed out the window. Once down safely, he looked up and blew her a kiss.

Oh, I love him. God, please let us be together. please.

She blew one back and watched him get in his dad’s car. They waved as he drove away.

She went back to her bed and lay down, hugging the stuffed elephant Blaine had given her for her birthday, feeling at least a little bit better.

Come on, sweetie, it’s time to get up.

Joni’s eyes blinked awake to see her mother looking down at her. She peeked at her alarm clock: 5:30 in the morning. It had been two weeks since her parents confirmed her pregnancy with their doctor and she had a feeling this early morning wake up was going to be a big deal. She rubbed her eyes. What?

Come on, we need you to get up and get dressed.

Joni sat up feeling a little scared. Why?

We found a family for you to go stay with. A family to adopt your baby.

Joni was shocked. What? What are you talking about?

Just get dressed. We will explain everything in the car.

And explain they did. Joni was fifteen and had no choice in her life at all. Her parents decided she was having this baby, and she was giving it up for adoption. They felt it was the best solution to the situation. A lawyer drew up all the paperwork and found the family. Now all she had to do was wait the eight remaining months. Joni would have the baby, the couple would take custody as though it were their own, and all would be back to normal. At least for her parents.

Her parents were extremely embarrassed over her pregnancy, so the family they chose was far away. They agreed to take Joni into their home and care for her every need in the months as the baby matured. They also agreed to keep her hidden from the public as best they could. They would be responsible for finding a tutor to keep her school work current, and once the baby was born, Joni could come home and resume her normal life. Except for Blaine. Her parents still didn’t want her to have anything to do with Blaine.

They arrived at a quaint farmhouse at 8:00 that morning. Joni got out of the car nervously, soaking in the reality of everything. I have shamed my family to the point they have to hide me. I am nothing.

Her father carried a suitcase, her mother another, and Joni just held her stuffed elephant with her purse over her shoulder. The couple came out of the house to greet them on the front porch. She was a pretty blonde, he had brown curly hair. They looked nice.

Joni followed her parents up the stairs onto the porch where the adults introduced themselves.

Joni, don’t be rude, her mother called to her. Come, say hello.

Joni stepped towards the strangers, feeling extremely shy, embarrassed and ashamed. They know I had sex, they know my parents hate me. Hi, she squeaked out.

The woman looked like she was going to cry. You’re so young. Her hand went to her mouth. Hi, Joni. I’m Mrs. Bennett, but you can call me Lori.

Joni nodded. Okay.

And I’m Mr. Bennett. You can call me Matthew. It’s nice to meet you, Joni.

Hi, she said, quietly holding back tears.

Joni’s dad pushed her towards the Bennetts. Okay, we need to be getting back to your sister, Joni. You be a good girl for the Bennetts, and soon everything will go back to normal. He patted the top of her head.

Joni quickly turned to her parents as tears became real. You’re leaving me already?

Her dad replied, Yes, dear. Your sister needs us.

I need you. Don’t you see that?

Her mother went to her with a hug. Oh, Joni, you’re going to be fine. The Bennetts are going to take good care of you, and you can call us whenever you want.

Joni grabbed onto her mother, wishing for her to stay longer.

Her dad stepped backward. You brought this on yourself, Joni. Don’t expect us to feel sorry for you. You will be fine here, and when this is all over, you will have a place in our home again.

Joni’s mother kissed her forehead then released her. I love you, Joni. Be good.

Joni tried to hold in her tears as her mother stepped away. It was like slow motion. They seemed unaffected by it as they got in the car and drove off. In fact, they seemed relieved. Once the car was out of view, Joni closed her eyes and began to sob.

Within a few moments, she felt warm, soft arms surround her from the front. The kind voice of Lori Bennett comforted her. Oh, sweetie, it’s going to be okay. We know this is hard.

Joni let out all her emotion in that instant, releasing all the heartache into the arms of a stranger who seemed to care more than her own parents.

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JONI - The Consequences

THE BENNETTS WERE very kind and realized she needed some time alone. They took her to what would be her room for the next eight months. It was small but had everything she needed, including its own attached bathroom. Matthew brought her bags in, asked her if she needed anything else, then left her to some quiet alone time.

The silence was deafening as she sat on the bed gripping her elephant. She thought of Blaine and how he wasn’t going to know where she was or how to find her, and fear of him moving on to another girl wrestled her already broken heart to the ground.

She curled up on the bed and tried to think about nothing.

There was a knock to her door. She sat up, wiping her tears. Yes, come in.

Lori entered with a soft smile. I brought you some lemonade. Do you like lemonade?

Joni nodded, wiping more tears.

Lori sat down on the bed next to Joni, holding out the glass.

Joni accepted it. Thank you. She took a long sip.

I get the feeling that things weren’t going very well with your parents before you came here. Am I right?

Joni nodded, feeling ashamed.

Well, I want you to know, we are really glad to have you here, and we want you to be as happy as you can be. So if there is anything we can do for you, let us know.

Can I— Joni paused.

What, dear?

Her sad eyes went to Lori’s. Can I call my boyfriend?

Lori’s jaw tightened.

Joni looked down at her hands. I get it. My parents told you not to let me. She started to cry. I don’t think this could get any worse. My parents hate me, I’m pregnant with a baby I want to love but am not allowed to keep because it has been sold to strangers, my sister is dying, and I’m not allowed to see or talk to the only person in the world who loves me.

Lori sniffled, causing Joni to look up at her and see tears. Why are you crying? Joni asked.

She shook her head. I’m sad for you. You’re so young and sweet, and I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I wish I could make you feel better.

I don’t think I will ever feel better, but thanks.

What is he like? Your boyfriend.

Joni sensed Lori was feeling her out to see if the information they had received about him was accurate. His name is Blaine, and he is the best thing to ever happen to me. I know I’m young and people don’t think I know anything about the world, but I know enough to know the difference between a good guy and not. Joni looked down at her elephant. He gave this to me for my birthday. He saw me pick it up at the mall and remembered. I didn’t even say anything to him about liking it. He just watched, knew, and remembered.

Lori smiled. Wow, that’s quite a feat for most men I’ve known.

My parents make him sound terrible, because it’s easier for them.

Why do you think that is?

Joni looked into Lori’s eyes and replied honestly. Because if they blame him, they won’t have to look at how badly they have ignored their own daughter.

They made him sound horrible.

Joni laughed, wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. No, he is really sweet. She smiled, thinking of him. He is my cute nerd. He always puts me first, tells me how he feels, and he promised me he is going to marry me someday. Tears returned. Whoever gets to marry him will be one lucky girl.

Lori wiped her tears quickly then stood. I’ll be right back.

Joni watched her leave and heard some shuffling out in the hallway. Soon, Lori returned with a phone in her hand. She plugged it into the wall and placed it on the desk. You can call him. Just promise me it will only be an hour a day.

Joni put her hand over her mouth, tears flowing with gratitude. I promise.

Lori nodded. Do you like chicken?

Joni nodded trying to get control of her tears. Yes, ma’am.

Okay, dinner will be ready in about an hour.

Joni nodded. Thank you for being so nice to me. She looked down, embarrassed. I don’t deserve it.

Joni.

Joni looked up.

Yes, you do. Now call that boyfriend of yours, and let him know you’re okay.

Thank you.

Lori closed the door, and Joni immediately went to the phone, dialing Blaine’s number. It rang four times before his father answered: Hello.

Hi, Mr. Johnson.

Oh, Joni, it’s so good to hear your voice, dear. How are you doing? Blaine said you disappeared today. Are you okay?

She swallowed hard glad to hear she had not been forgotten. Yes, I’m okay, sir. Is he there?

Yes, he is right here trying to yank the phone out of my hand, hold on.

Joni!

His voice was the most amazing sound ever and it started her tears again. Hi.

Where are you? I came to see you today and—

My parents took me to a farm. I don’t even know where. I’m supposed to stay here until the baby is born, and the people I’m staying with are going to keep our baby.

What? His voice was high pitched so she knew he was upset.

Yes, they had a lawyer make everything legal, and since we are underage, there is nothing we can do. I’m sorry. Please don’t hate me.

Oh, Joni, I could never hate you. This is not your fault. I will talk to my parents, and see if what they are making you do is legal. I mean, I am the father. I should have a say too.

Joni didn’t want Blaine to cause trouble because she knew her dad would accuse him of the unspeakable with no conscience. We are underage, Blaine. Our parents control everything.

There was a pause. Is this what you want?

I don’t know. I mean we are so young. How would we take care of a baby?

Blaine was quiet. I don’t know.

They both sat in silence.

Finally, Blaine said, Are you okay?

I’m as okay as I can be, I guess. The Bennetts are very nice so far. She paused. I miss you.

I miss you, too. I want to come see you.

I don’t know if they will allow that.

Let me worry about that, for now I just want you to try and relax. Try to smile.

How am I supposed to smile? I have nothing to smile about.

Blaine’s voice was so sincere. You have me.

Joni began to cry. For how long? Soon you’ll grow tired of being alone, and you’ll forget about me. Her cry went deep, near hyperventilation.

Joni, calm down. You have to calm down.

I can’t. I’m so alone, and I know you are going to leave me.

Joni! he shouted. I’m not leaving you. Ever!

She was shocked at his reaction and quieted quickly.

We are in this together, so I will do whatever it takes to make this work. Even if it means we don’t speak for eight months, you can count on me to be waiting for you. Do you understand me?

Joni was speechless.

This is my fault and, I love you. Every day without you is like being only half of myself, but I promise you, I will take it without issue because I know the hell you are in, and I refuse to let you be in hell alone. We might be miles apart, but no one can take you away from my heart. No one.

She was still unable to speak.

I’m going to marry you, Joni Bishop, and that is a promise. He paused. Now, I want you to promise me something.

Anything. She was beginning to relax slightly. Just hearing him make those promises was enough for the moment to believe he was still on her side, still loving her despite the disappointment she had caused in everyone else in her life.

I want you to take good care of yourself. I want you to eat well, stop crying, think happy thoughts, take lots of baths, and imagine my arms around you. Can you do that?

She thought for a moment. I can try.

Do your best. I will make my way to you. You will see.

I can only talk to you a little bit each day. The Bennetts weren’t supposed to let me, but Mrs. Bennett said I could after I told her about you.

I like them already.

She smiled finally. I love you, Blaine.

I love you too. Be strong, and take good care of you. Don’t you worry about me or us, okay? Not for another moment.

Okay.

There was silence on the phone for a bit.

Blaine sighed. I really hate your parents right now.

Don’t be mad at them. They are consumed with my sister, and you can understand that. They’re so afraid she is going to die they don’t want to miss a second of her life so cut them a break.

"I will not cut them a break. Yes, they have a daughter who is ill. I get that. But they also have a daughter who is alive and well, and they are missing out on her. They are making her feel like her life isn’t important. They are being assholes."

Deep inside, Joni felt the same way, and it was so nice to hear someone else say it out loud.

It makes me so mad sometimes I just want to scream at them.

Don’t. It will make things worse.

I won’t, Joni. I’m just saying I wish I could.

Another short silence.

I want to talk to you later, so I’m going to let you go. I only get an hour a day. So, can I call you later?

Yes. What time will you call? I want to make sure I’m here.

Is 8:00 okay?

Yes, I’ll be waiting.

Joni went downstairs with the plans of helping Lori with dinner. She felt strange in this new house, like she didn’t belong and was doing something wrong walking around by herself. Once down in the kitchen, she cleared her throat to let Lori know she was there.

Oh hi, Joni. Do you need anything?

Joni tried to smile. No. I came down to see if I could help you with dinner.

Well, aren’t you sweet? I think I can handle it, but I’d love to have some company. Why don’t you sit down here, and we can just chat. Lori pulled out the stool from under the island and offered it to Joni.

Joni sat, feeling completely uncomfortable.

How long have you and Blaine been dating? She smiled, seeming truly interested.

A year. I met him at a summer picnic and thought he was super cute, but I was dating someone else and I couldn’t do anything about it. The next year in school, my boyfriend and I had broken up, and Blaine was in my homeroom so we started talking. I fell for him quick. He is very sweet.

That’s nice. Lori chopped carrots at the island.

How about you and Mr. Bennett? How long have you been together?

His name is Matthew, dear. You can drop the formalities. Oh my, we’ve been together forever I think. She laughed. "We’ve been married for eight years, but we dated